Full Notification

It’s better to give…..Safely
We've all heard it's important when choosing toys for infants or small children to avoid small parts that can be pulled or broken off and might prove to be a choking hazard.
Here are some additional gift-related safety tips you might not have heard about:

• Select gifts for older adults that are not heavy or awkward to handle
• Be aware of dangers associated with coin lithium batteries; of particular concern is the ingestion of button batteries
• Choose toys with care. Keep in mind the child’s age, interests and skill level.
• Look for quality design and construction in all toys for all ages.
• Make sure that all directions or instructions are clear—to you and, when appropriate, to the child.
• Plastic wrappings on toys should be discarded at once before they become deadly playthings.
• Be a label reader. Look for and heed age recommendations, such as “Not recommended for children under three.” Look for other safety labels including: “Flame retardant/Flame resistant” on fabric products and “Washable/hygienic materials” on stuffed toys and dolls.
• Electric toys with heating elements are recommended only for children over eight years old. Children should be taught to use electric toys properly, cautiously and under adult supervision.
For answers to more of your holiday toy safety questions, check out this Consumer Product Safety Commission blog: http://onsafety.cpsc.gov/blog/2013/12/19/holiday-toy-safety-qa/

See which toys have been recalled: https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/toy-recall-statistics/

Visit the National Safety Council website for even more information:

http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/pages/news-and-resources-holiday-safety.aspx